Commuter detained for climbing onto MRT tracks to retrieve dropped phone
A commuter was detained by transport operator SMRT after climbing over platform screen doors at Boon Lay MRT station to retrieve a phone that had fallen onto the train tracks.
In a Facebook post on March 14, SMRT said the incident occurred around 8.15am on March 13.
When the commuter climbed over the half-height platform screen doors, another commuter activated the Emergency Stop Plunger (ESP) on the west-bound platform at the station.
ESPs are located on walls or pillars near the platform screen doors. Passengers may press the ESP in case of emergencies, such as when they see a fellow passenger stuck at platform gaps or doors.
When the ESP is activated, trains will come to a safe stop and station staff will attend to the situation.
“Thanks to the timely activation of the ESP, the incoming train was halted in time, and the individual was unharmed. Our staff immediately intervened, detained the trespasser and alerted the police,” said Mr Lam Sheau Kai, president of SMRT Trains.
ST has contacted the police for more information.
SMRT said it takes a serious view of this incident as the trespasser could have been hit by a train or electrocuted by the high-voltage traction power from the third rail.
When emergency brakes are applied, there is a risk of injury to passengers onboard the train.
“Such reckless actions not only endanger lives but can also cause service disruptions, affecting many commuters,” Mr Lam said.
Commuters should always stay clear of the tracks, he added.
If an item falls onto the tracks, commuters should seek help from SMRT’s staff rather than attempting to retrieve it.
Item retrieval can only be carried out at the end of the day due to safety reasons.
In 2021, a man admitted to stopping a MRT train at Buona Vista MRT station in attempt to retrieve a phone that fell onto the tracks. He also assaulted a security officer.
He was fined $5,600.
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